Choose the puzzle before you print
The free puzzle uses Standard difficulty. Try the preview yourself before printing. In the complete set, Easy gives guests a smaller grid with simpler directions; Challenging has a larger grid and more places to look. Choose the difficulty before downloading your set so everyone plays the same version.
The free word search uses a ready-made baby word list. In the complete set, you can replace it with 4 to 12 words of your own. Keep custom words familiar to the group; an inside joke that only two guests know can leave everyone else stuck.
Explain the directions on the card
Read the instruction printed above the grid. It matches the selected difficulty, so use that wording rather than promising words only run across. Tell guests to check the word list as they go.
Pairs work well when guests would rather chat than race. Give each pair one sheet, or let everyone keep their own while sharing clues. The guide to games for different group sizes can help you choose quantities.
Keep the answer key with the host
The PDF includes a separate answer key. Set it aside before handing out guest sheets. Print the same guest puzzle for every player; unlike filled bingo, a word search doesn't need a different layout for each person.
For a competition, decide whether the winner is the first person to finish correctly or the person with the most words when time ends. Check the claimed answers against your key. If two guests tie, share the prize or use a tie rule you explained before starting.
Written for the ShowerPrintables printable set. About this project. For print settings, test one sheet on your printer before making the full quantity.